Afghanistan’s UN Envoy Warns Female and Youth Education Ban Threatens National Development
Nasir Ahmad Faiq, the acting head of Afghanistan’s mission to the United Nations, expressed deep concern over the exclusion of girls and women from schools and universities during a meeting titled “Afghan Youth at a Crossroads: Rights, Aspirations, Challenges, and Opportunities.” He stated that since 2021, more than 2.6 million girls have been denied secondary education, and universities remain closed to women.
Faiq also highlighted the decline in educational and employment opportunities for women, drawing attention to the negative consequences of the growing number of religious schools in Afghanistan. He noted that by September 2025, over 23,000 religious schools had been established. He warned that this trend replaces general education with religious instruction and eliminates subjects such as foreign languages and civic studies, which limits young people’s scientific and professional capacities.
The acting Afghan representative added that young people, especially boys and men, face poverty, lack of job opportunities, reduced access to education, and restrictions on freedom of expression. He emphasized that depriving a generation of education and participation hampers Afghanistan’s progress and the flourishing of its potential.
Faiq called for the provision of safe educational opportunities, scholarships, and the development of scientific, digital, and critical thinking skills for youth. He stressed that alternative education cannot substitute the reopening of schools and universities. Additionally, several Afghan youths who participated online in the session underscored the need for quality education, job creation, and remote work opportunities.
The Taliban administration has not yet issued an official response to these criticisms. Educational bans and social restrictions on women and youth in Afghanistan remain in place.
